Africa fall foul of familiar mistakes
For the first time at a World Cup, Africa had six representatives - Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, South Africa.
Whether world governing body Fifa will maintain that tally for the 2014 finals in Brazil is debatable after all but one of the sides disappointed in South Africa.
Africa's hopes of World Cup success in 2010 ultimately came down to one kick, a penalty that - taking the continent's dreams of a first semi-final appearance along with it.
But had Ghana's Asamoah Gyan converted that spot-kick against Uruguay, it would have disguised what has been a poor tournament for Africa.
The continent registered only three wins from 18 group games - a record that sits uncomfortably alongside South America's tally of 10 from 15.
Playing 'at home' was supposed to help Africa's sides but, , perhaps too many thought this perceived advantage removed the need for good preparations.
Born in Wimbledon, my enthusiasm for the global game was already sizeable before the tragic demise of the boys from SW19. Having covered football in over 50 countries, I've been working in the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s African sports section since the early noughties, recently spending three years in Africa to report on the run-up to the continent's first World Cup.
